China Eximbank provides $8.5 million loan for Phase 1 of the National Security Communication Network Project (Linked to Record ID#59519)

Project narrative

In 2007, ZTE proposed the use of its Global Open Trunking Architecture (GoTa)―a new-generation digital trunking technology with independent IPR—to support the Government of Senegal’s national information security network. Because the Government Senegal’s national information security network is integrally connected to its political stability, the Senegalese authorities expressed concerns about whether the network could ensure information security and meet their communication needs. To address these concerns, ZTE proposed a GoTa trial in Dakar, the capital city. After government approval, ZTE began trialing the network in December 2007. It took three months to complete the whole process — from equipment delivery and network deployment to commercial trial. The GoTa trial was officially launched in Dakar in February 2008. Senegal’s Minister of Home Affairs, Police Chief, and Assistant to the Chinese Ambassador attended the launch event, and the Minister of Home Affairs spoke highly of ZTE’s rapid response team. The successful commercialization of GoTa laid a solid foundation for the Government of Senegal to build its GoTa national information security network. The purpose of the National Security Communication Network Project was to provide a secure communications network for Senegal’s Ministry of Interior. The project was implemented in two phases. On February 13, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Senegal to attend a signing ceremony for an $8.5 million China Eximbank loan agreement to support Phase 1 of the National Security Communication Network Project. Phase 1 deployed 60 CDMA radio stations in 24 cities across the country. It began in 2009 was formally put into operation in early 2010. Then, in 2012, the Government of Senegal and China Eximbank signed an RMB 225 million loan agreement for Phase 2 of the National Security Communication Network Project. Phase 2 established 59 additional radio stations and emergency energy supplies (via generators or solar panels). It also installed 120 video surveillance cameras in towns and cities around the country. Record ID#85245 captures the China Eximbank loan for Phase 1 and Record ID#59519 captures the China Eximbank loan for Phase 2.